Global Access to the Internet for All J. Saldana, Ed.
Internet-Draft University of Zaragoza
Intended status: Informational A. Arcia-Moret
Expires: September 7, 2015 University of Cambridge
B. Braem
iMinds
E. Pietrosemoli
ICTP
A. Sathiaseelan
University of Cambridge
M. Zennaro
Abdus Salam ICTP
March 6, 2015
Alternative Network Deployments. Taxonomy, characterization,
technologies and architectures
draft-irtf-gaia-alternative-network-deployments-00
Abstract
This document presents a taxonomy of "Alternative Network
deployments", and a set of definitions and shared characteristics.
It also discusses the technologies employed in these network
deployments, and their differing architectural characteristics.
The term "Alternative Network deployments" includes a set of network
access models that have emerged in the last decade with the aim of
bringing Internet connectivity to people, using topological,
architectural and business models different from the so-called
"traditional" ones, where a company deploys or leases the network
infrastructure for connecting the users, who pay a subscription fee
to be connected and make use of it.
Several initiatives throughout the world have built large scale
networks that are alternative to the traditional network operator
deployments using predominantly wireless technologies (including long
distance) due to the reduced cost of using the unlicensed spectrum.
Wired technologies such as fiber are also used in some of these
alternate networks. There are several types of such alternate
network: networks such as community networks are self-organized and
decentralized networks wholly owned by the community; networks owned
by individuals who act as wireless internet service providers
(WISPs), networks owned by individuals but leased out to network
operators who use such networks as a low-cost medium to reach the
underserved population and finally there are networks that provide
connectivity by sharing wireless resources of the users.
Saldana, et al. Expires September 7, 2015 [Page 1]Internet-Draft Alternative Network Deployments March 2015
The emergence of these networks can be motivated by different causes
such as the reluctance, or the impossibility, of network operators to
provide wired and cellular infrastructures to rural/remote areas. In
these cases, the networks have self sustainable business models that
provide more localised communication services as well as Internet
backhaul support through peering agreements with traditional network
operators. Some other times, networks are built as a complement and
an alternative to commercial Internet access provided by
"traditional" network operators.
The present classification considers different existing network
models such as Community Networks, open wireless services, user-
extensible services, traditional local Internet Service Providers
(ISPs), new global ISPs, etc. Different criteria are used in order
to build a classification as e.g., the ownership of the equipment,
the way the network is organized, the participatory model, the
extensibility, if they are driven by a community, a company or a
local (public or private) stakeholder, etc.
According to the developed taxonomy, a characterization of each kind
of network is presented, in terms of specific network characteristics
related to architecture, organization, etc.
Status of This Memo
This Internet-Draft is submitted in full conformance with the
provisions of BCP 78 and BCP 79.
Internet-Drafts are working documents of the Internet Engineering
Task Force (IETF). Note that other groups may also distribute
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Internet-Drafts are draft documents valid for a maximum of six months
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material or to cite them other than as "work in progress."
This Internet-Draft will expire on September 7, 2015.